Manuscripts and Memories of Minneapolis

J. O. Corliss to W. C. White, Sep. 29, 1889

From J. O. Corliss
Nashville, Tenn.,
Sep. 29, 1889
Eld. W. C. White,
Oakland, Cal.
Dear Brother:—

Yours of September 10 was forwarded to me at Nashville, and received in due time. I have neglected writing before, because I wanted to see how the camp-meeting and institute started off before I replied. MMM 147.1

I was on the ground before the institute commenced, and as the brethren gathered, preached to them a part of the time alternating with the local ministers. I did my best to prepare them for the points that would be brought up in the institute, by laying before them the principles of justification by faith and kindred doctrines. On Tuesday night, the 24th, after the evening service, the Dr. and his wife, Eld. Kilgore, Belden, McKee and others came, and the institute work began in earnest the following morning. We have since that time had three lines of subjects running! The for noon has been taken up with church work and the duties of officers, etc.; the afternoons have been occupied by the dr. With his subjects or Christ and his work, which, summed up, means justification by faith; and his discourses have been full of comfort and encouragement for the people. There have evidently been opened up and before their minds new ideas, and the truth has received a polish through them that it had never shown before. At night the subject of religious liberty has been dwelt upon. Up to this time the Dr. has spoken once on that line, and I have given it the balance of the consideration it has received. MMM 147.2

Our work has moved off very smoothly and satisfactorily to all concerned. There seems to be a most excellent feeling on the part of the brethren. We did not have any move in the congregation yesterday (Sabbath) from the fact that nearly every one on the ground is a member of the church; and though the preaching was close and calculated to stir the people, yet you know that people in the south are not moved in the same wav that they are in the north. Deep feeling was manifested by them while they remained in their seats, but none came forward. Some excellent testimonies were borne, and some confessions made. We think it was an excellent meeting and will bear fruit. MMM 148.1

The forenoon service is now being carried on, and I do not think there are a dozen outsiders here; although the meeting is right at the station on the dummy line, and thousands of people have gone by on the dummy and seen the camp since it bas been here. We are simply passing through the same experience we had in Georgia; that is, there are colored people on the ground, and it has gone out that they are here and the outside people are prejudiced against the seeming equality we have made between the whites and the blacks. Of course they do not understand our motives, or our practice; but to see them here, tenting on the ground and sitting in our meetings, has been enough to keep them away. It was just the same in Georgia, where we had 45 people all toll in our Sunday meeting. MMM 148.2

We have just held a meeting with the leading brethren here on the ground, and got an expression from them as to what can be done to the best advantage of the work, and reach both classes of people with the truth. We had their testimonies all taken down, so that it can be presenter to a judiciary committee at the General Conference. It is not necessary here to state the one universal expression on the part of the people; that will be brought out at the conference. MMM 149.1

I could not tell all the features of the Conklin case in my report of it through the Review, or even in my letter to you. There were some features of it that were wicked beyond expression. I shall have some things to say about it if occasion is offered during the session of the General Conference. There are some very grave and perplexing questions relative to this matter in the south, especially in Georgia, and it will require much wisdom to know just how to direct in this branch of the work. I am thankful, however, for the experience I have had in the south this season, I am satisfied that it was the Lord’s will for me to get away from my cares at home where I could study God’s word, I never had such floods of light in the same length of time, and the truth never looked so good to me as it does now. All alone by myself, I have studied upon the subjects of the covenants, and the law in Galatians. I came to my conclusions without consulting any one but the Lord and his holy word. I think now, that I have the matter straight in my mind, and I can see the beauty and harmony of the Dr.’s position on the Galatians law. Since I came here, however, I have talked with him upon the subject with much comfort, and I find that my conclusions are perfectly in harmony with his, so far as we have canvassed the matter. Thank the Lord for his goodness, and cannot praise him too much for what he has done for me the past season. And I mean by the grace of God to use the knowledge he has given me to his honor and glory. MMM 149.2

I think that the institute hire will prove to be of lasting benefit to the work in the south. I am satisfied that the counsel of southern workers here will result in developing new plans for the south, which will become more effectual than though the delegates were to co from here to the General Conference. We shall have time to talk these matters over thoroughly, and present the result of the thoughts expressed here to the proper committee at the General Conference. God is certainly giving power to his truth here. Expressions are heard on every hand that the truth is taking on new features, which makes it plainer than it ever was before. MMM 150.1

You refer to the time when we went over the road together to California, and changed cars about midnight near Denver. I shall never forget the occasion, whether we ever have the opportunity again I am glad to know that your dear wife has better health than when she left California. I often think of her, and wonder how she is getting along. You have sympathy in your affliction in her case. And I trust that God will not suffer anything to come that will not be for your good.
I remain as ever,
Yours in the truth,
(Signed J. O. Corliss) MMM 150.2